My Trip to Kumrat Valley & Katora Lake
Why Kumrat Valley?
I decided to choose Kumrat because I have heard so many amazing stories from people who travel frequently to northern Pakistan. They talk about the lush green valleys, flowing rivers, and tall pine forests that seem to come straight out of a fairytale. I found their excitement and descriptions so intriguing that it made me want to see Kumrat for myself. Another reason I became curious is that Imran Khan mentioned Kumrat in one of his interviews, which added to its appeal. When someone as prominent as him praises a place, it gives you a sense that there really must be something unique and special about it. All of this made me determined to visit Kumrat and experience its natural wonders firsthand.
I have always known that traveling is my true passion. Even when I started my digital marketing journey in 2019 and 2020, I would find my heart racing every time I watched breathtaking travel vlogs or scrolled through scenic Instagram feeds. Instead of saving up to buy a car or land, as most people might have done, I imagined exploring the beautiful landscapes of my own country. In 2022, when my efforts in digital marketing began to bear fruit, I decided it was time to plan my first big trip to northern Pakistan. My friends Ahmad and Ghani (Usman Ghani) from Islamabad, along with Talha and Sami from Multan (my hometown), were just as excited about the adventure.
The Journey from Multan to Islamabad
Our trip began with a ride to Islamabad on the Faisal Movers Business Class bus service. I highly recommend this service for its comfort and overall quality. After a restful two days in Islamabad, where we got to relax and catch up, it was time to head to Kumrat Valley.
Heading North with Eagle Adventures
We booked our tour through Eagle Adventure Company. This part of the journey involved traveling on a coaster, which was quite new to me. It was not the most comfortable ride, and I remember telling myself it would be my last time traveling on a coaster. Of course, that promise was short lived because I ended up taking two more northern trips on similar coasters to Skardu and Fairy Meadows.
First Glimpse of Paradise in Kumrat
When our coaster finally reached Kumrat, I felt like I had walked into a beautiful dream. Tall pine trees stood all around, and the air was so fresh that I forgot all the tiredness from the journey. The clear river flowed beside us, making a peaceful rushing sound. I had seen pictures and vlogs of this place, but seeing it in real life was even more magical.
We set up our camp right next to the river. I remember how silent and calm everything felt. Waking up the next morning was a special moment. I stepped out of my tent, breathed in the cool morning air, and felt truly alive.
During our short stay in Kumrat, we walked along the river, took plenty of photos, and tried to enjoy every minute. It was my first time seeing the pure beauty of northern Pakistan, and I felt thankful to be there with friends who loved exploring just as much as I did. I remember telling myself I would come back someday, because Kumrat felt like a little piece of heaven on earth.
Venturing to Jaaz Banda
After spending one night in Kumrat, we were all set for our next destination, Jaaz Banda. Our day started with a rather disappointing breakfast, but the thrill of the upcoming journey kept us going. We hopped onto jeeps for a rough off road adventure that was both exhilarating and nerve racking. Eventually, we reached the starting point of our two to three hour hike to Jaaz Banda. This was my first proper hiking experience, and it was challenging, but the reward at the end was worth it.
Upon arriving in Jaaz Banda, I was stunned by the beauty of the lush meadows against a backdrop of majestic peaks. I immediately wished I could stay there forever. There was also a plan to visit Kund Banda, but I slept through it because I was so exhausted. My friends did not want to wake me, but they accidentally locked my room from the outside. I woke up to find myself stuck inside until they returned, which led to a funny story we still laugh about.
The Challenging Hike to Katora Lake
The next day was dedicated to hiking toward Katora Lake, a more difficult and tiring trek. I felt nervous about whether I could handle it, especially the last stretch that felt like climbing a wall. However, reaching the top was a moment of awe and relief. I was greeted by the sight of Katora Lake, surrounded by snow covered mountains and reflecting the sky in its blue waters. We enjoyed a brief boat ride and sat by the lake, amazed by the tranquility and discussing how surreal it all felt.
We had to leave before nightfall to avoid the dangers of hiking after dark. The return journey was tough, and I slipped multiple times, injuring my knee on the third fall. This forced me to finish the trek on horseback, which was faster but also slightly nerve racking since I was worried about my friends. One of them, Sami, was lagging behind and did not return until after sunset, causing a bit of anxiety for the rest of us. Thankfully, he arrived safe and sound, accompanied by another tourist.
Final Night in Jaaz Banda
That night, we shared dinner and played music to celebrate our last evening in Jaaz Banda. I connected my phone to the Bluetooth speaker, and we were all enjoying songs by Ritviz until a random voice message from my friend Abid Banga played out loud. It was packed with hilarious but embarrassing language, and we all had a good laugh when everyone realized my phone was the one connected.
Back to Islamabad and Future Plans
As we traveled back to Islamabad, I said a silent prayer to be blessed with more opportunities to travel and explore the varied landscapes of Pakistan. This journey showed me that even though traveling can be tiring, the sense of wonder, growth, and camaraderie make every step worth it. My friends took great care of me whenever I needed it, and we certainly indulged ourselves along the way, spending generously on food and experiences.
Looking back, the memories from Kumrat, Jaaz Banda, and Katora Lake have cemented my belief that traveling is more than just a hobby for me. It is a way of life and a source of continuous inspiration for my work and personal growth. I am grateful for having the chance to see such incredible places, and I hope to explore many more spots in Pakistan in the years to come.